The data is in and we can announce our confirmed findings. People who
buy the Nintendo Switch
system will not only get access to a remarkable new video game system,
but they’ll also be able to participate in a special Splatoon
2 preview... Owners with internet access can download a demo
version of the Splatoon 2 game that will allow them to battle
against opponents around the world in the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire
event. It’s a way for everyone to investigate the latest in cephalopod
warfare months before the game launches!

In addition to the Testfire event, Nintendo squid expert and Splatoon
2 producer Hisashi Nogami also confirmed a new way for players to
follow the action when the game launches later in the year – a mode that
will give players a unique insight into squid behaviors and strategy
called Private Battle Spectator View. This breakthrough in
squid-observation technology will allow up to two non-players to
participate in a Private Battle as camera operators to observe all the
action from multiple angles*. Incredible! In addition to this, a new
feature called LAN Play will be added to Splatoon 2, allowing up
to 10 docked systems – eight players and two spectators – to connect via
wired LAN. This feature allows players to create local Private Battle
tournaments without the need for an internet connection. Local wireless
play is perfect for your regular gaming get-togethers, but LAN Play is
where it’s at when you want to organize a serious tournament event with
your fellow players.

“Two years have passed in this universe since the original Splatoon,
and since then, the weapons, maps and characters have evolved. Through
the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event this March, players will be able to
get a taste of that. There will be more new features to experience in Splatoon
2, so please look forward to more reveals in the future,” noted Mr.
Nogami.

The Splatoon 2 Global Testfire will give Nintendo Switch owners six
chances to play with other owners worldwide during the three-day event.
The timing of the event is as follows:

March 24

• 12-12:59 p.m. PT / 3-3:59 p.m. ET

• 8-8:59 p.m. PT / 11-11:59 p.m. ET

March 25

• 4-4:59 a.m. PT / 7-7:59 a.m. ET

• 12-12:59 p.m. PT / 3-3:59 p.m. ET

• 8-8:59 p.m. PT / 11-11:59 p.m. ET

March 26

• 4-4:59 a.m. PT / 7-7:59 a.m. ET

All indications are that the content for the Global Testfire will allow
players to test four different main weapons, including the new Splat
Dualies, as well as remixed versions of the iconic Splat Roller and
Splat Charger. Extraordinary!

The demo is available for download in Nintendo eShop or from Nintendo.com.

We’re also happy to report that Splatoon 2 will be
compatible with Splatoon
series amiibo figures and, for the first time in the series, with an
upcoming Nintendo Switch app for smart devices that enhances online
play. This app will connect to the game and allow players to set play
appointments with friends and teammates who have been added to their
Nintendo Switch friend list or via their social media accounts. It also
allows players to match up with those friends directly in the game or
voice chat with them via their smart device. For example, during a
Private Battle, players can voice chat with all of their connected
friends when they divide into teams, but once teams are set, voice chat
is switched to communication only between teammates on the same team.

In order to use this app, players need to link their Nintendo Account to
their Nintendo Switch system and have a smart device capable of in-game
voice chat. Online features will require a paid subscription. Data fees
may apply. More details will be announced at a later date.